Modern life bombards us with deadlines, blue light, and endless notifications. It's no wonder many of us feel stretched thin. Everyday stress activates the body's "fight or flight" response, and it can be hard to find ways to unwind and refocus. What if there were natural ingredients that help support the body's ability to adapt to everyday stress?

Welcome to the world of adaptogens: plants or mushrooms traditionally used to support the body's balance during physical, mental or emotional stress. The term originated in Russian research in the mid-20th century. In traditional Ayurvedic and Unani practice, herbs like ashwagandha have been used for centuries. Today, adaptogenic herbs are enjoying renewed interest as more people seek natural ways to support mental clarity and emotional balance.*

In this post, we'll explore three well-known adaptogens – ashwagandha, rhodiola and bacopa – and look at what research has explored about how they support a healthy response to stress, cognitive performance and mood.* We'll also explain how Cool Mood, our de-stress formula, includes these herbs.

Ashwagandha: The Stress-Soothing Root

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an evergreen shrub native to parts of Asia and Africa. Its roots have been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years to promote strength and vitality. Research has explored how ashwagandha may support a healthy response to stress.*

A 2021 systematic review identified seven randomized, placebo-controlled trials (491 adults) examining ashwagandha. Participants were given 240–1,250 mg of extract daily for 6–8 weeks. The studies looked at measures of perceived stress, sleep quality and fatigue, and the reviewers noted greater effects at doses of 500–600 mg/day. Results from studies on specific extracts and doses may not apply to every product.

Rhodiola: Mental Endurance & Reaction Time

Rhodiola rosea, also known as Arctic or golden root, grows in cold climates like Siberia and has been used by Russian and Scandinavian athletes for endurance and resilience. Rhodiola contains compounds called rosavins and salidroside.

Research on rhodiola has looked at mental fatigue and reaction time. In one study, 20 days of supplementation with 100 mg/day of rhodiola extract (with 2% salidroside and 3% rosavin) was associated with a reduction in self-assessed mental fatigue of around 30%, while participants taking placebo reported a 21% increase. Another trial gave 600 mg/day for 28 days and reported improved reaction time and accuracy on cognitive tests compared with placebo. These findings suggest rhodiola may support mental endurance and cognitive performance, which is why it's a popular adaptogen among busy professionals and athletes.*

Bacopa: Memory and Cognitive Processing

Bacopa monnieri (also called water hyssop) is a creeping herb revered in Ayurveda as a medhya rasayana (brain tonic). Research suggests that bacopa may support memory formation and cognitive processing.*

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of healthy older adults, participants took 300 or 600 mg of bacopa extract daily for 12 weeks. After four weeks, those taking 300 mg/day showed improvements in attention and memory compared with placebo, and these were still observed throughout the 12-week study and four weeks after stopping the supplement. Participants taking 600 mg/day showed faster memory recall and improved attention. These results suggest that bacopa may support working memory, attention and cognitive processing.*

Why Combine Them? Cool Mood

When we formulated Cool Mood, we wanted a blend to support a healthy response to everyday stress and mental clarity. We included the adaptogens described above, plus botanicals such as chamomile:

• Ashwagandha is traditionally used to support a healthy response to stress.*
• Rhodiola is traditionally used to support resilience to mental fatigue.*
• Bacopa is traditionally used to support memory, attention and cognitive processing.*

Everyone is unique – always consult your healthcare provider before adding new supplements, especially if you're pregnant, nursing or taking medications.

Beyond Adaptogens: A Mission of Goodness

Inside Out Goodness isn't just about selling supplements. Qualified purchases help provide a supplement to a recently released inmate through our buy-one-give-one program, supporting people who are rebuilding their lives. When you choose Cool Mood or any of our products, you're not just investing in your own well-being – you're helping others get a fresh start.

Key Takeaways

• Adaptogens such as ashwagandha, rhodiola and bacopa are traditionally used to support the body's response to everyday stress.*
• Research on ashwagandha has used doses of 240–1,250 mg/day, with greater effects noted around 500–600 mg/day.
• Research on rhodiola has used 100–600 mg/day and looked at mental fatigue, reaction time and accuracy on cognitive tasks.*
• Research on bacopa has used 300–600 mg/day and looked at working memory, attention and cognitive processing.*
• Cool Mood includes these herbs along with chamomile and other botanicals.

Ready to give Cool Mood a try? Your purchase helps us deliver nutritional support to individuals rebuilding their lives. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.